neat
12 synonyms and 4 antonyms for neat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Tidy and orderly; clean in appearance.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. adj
Tidy and orderly; clean in appearance.
“The children lined their shoes up in a neat row by the door.”
Opposites
2. adj
Of a spirit or drink: served pure, without ice, water, or mixer.
“Some people prefer gin neat, while others add plenty of tonic.”
Opposites
How to use neat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
neat and tidy
whisky neat
a neat trick
Etymology
From Old French net ("clean, clear"), from Latin nitidus ("gleaming, shining").
Full origin of neat →Frequently asked questions
What does “neat” mean?
The word “neat” means tidy and orderly; clean in appearance. In plain terms, tidy and well-ordered, or (with drinks) served without anything added.
How do you pronounce “neat”?
“Neat” is pronounced NEET (/ˈniːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “neat” in a sentence?
Here is “neat” used in a sentence: “He kept his desk perfectly neat.”
What part of speech is “neat”?
Depending on how it is used, “neat” can be an adjective and an intj.
Where does the word “neat” come from?
The word “neat” comes from Latin. From Old French net ("clean, clear"), from Latin nitidus ("gleaming, shining").
Is “neat” a common word?
“Neat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “neat” have?
“Neat” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: tidy and orderly; clean in appearance.
What is the difference between "neat" and "tidy"?
Both describe something orderly and free of mess, and they are often interchangeable. "Tidy" tends to stress the result of putting things in order, while "neat" can also suggest a pleasing, trim, well-arranged appearance.
What is the difference between a drink served "neat" and "on the rocks"?
A drink served "neat" has nothing added to it, while "on the rocks" means the same drink is served over ice. "Neat" is room temperature; "on the rocks" is chilled by the ice.
Is using "neat" to mean "great" formal or informal?
It is informal and conversational, used as a casual expression of approval, as in "That's really neat!" This sense can sound slightly dated or wholesome and would be out of place in formal writing.
